Meet Ali Thomas

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ali Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ali, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing outsiders are often unaware of about the youth mentoring and grief support field is just how much behind-the-scenes care and intention goes into building and sustaining these relationships. From the outside, it may look as simple as matching a mentor with a young person, but in reality, it requires a delicate balance of training, thoughtful pairing, and ongoing support to ensure the relationship is safe, lasting, and truly impactful.

Many people also don’t realize how isolating it can feel for a child who has lost a parent, and how rare it is for them to meet peers or adults who “get it.” Mentorship in this context isn’t just about role modeling, it’s about creating a lifeline of understanding and hope. What looks like a simple coffee meet-up or a fun event to an outsider is actually a carefully cultivated moment of connection that helps reduce isolation and builds resilience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I currently oversee our mentor program and events at Empower, a nonprofit that serves children and young adults who have experienced the profound loss of a parent. My path to this work is deeply personal.

I grew up in Southington, CT, alongside our founder, Cara Belvin. Cara lost her beautiful mother, Kit, when she was just nine years old. Years later, I lost my own beautiful mother, Doreen, at the age of 17. Watching Cara transform her pain into purpose by founding Empower in the Boston area was incredibly inspiring. For years, I had admired the organization’s work from afar, until it expanded beyond New England and I was able to be a part of it myself.

I began as a volunteer and mentor to a remarkable young woman, and now I have the privilege of working professionally for the organization, supporting mentors, planning events, and creating meaningful experiences for grieving youth. This role combines my lived experience, my passion for service, and my belief that community can help heal even the deepest wounds.

It hasn’t always been easy. Carrying my own grief while showing up for others requires balance, vulnerability, and strength. But what I’ve learned is that grief and hope can coexist and that out of loss can come resilience, compassion, and connection.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just do this work, I live it. My journey has given me empathy and understanding that I bring into every relationship with our families, mentors, and youth. I’m most proud of being able to stand as proof for our mentees that life after loss can still be full of joy, purpose, and love.

What I want the world to know about my story, and Empower’s story, is that loss does not have to mean isolation. With community, mentorship, and compassion, young people can grow not only to survive their loss but to thrive beyond it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Washington Park Boathouse, site of our 2025 LUMINARIA
Blanchard Family Wines, site of our 2024 LUMINARIA
Edens Loft, site of our 2023 LUMINARIA
Cheesman Park, site of our 2022 LUMINARIA

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give a huge shoutout to our Denver Ambassadors, our amazing mentors and volunteers. This group is the heart of what we do. They show up with so much love, bravery, and energy, and they’re always ready to support our kids and families in such genuine ways.

What I love most is that they don’t just give their time, they bring their whole selves. Whether it’s showing up for events, stepping into mentorship, or just creating moments of connection, they make such a difference.

I feel so lucky to have them in our corner, and I know our community is stronger and brighter because of them.

Website: https://www.weareempower.org

Instagram: weareempower_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareempower

Twitter: https://x.com/weareempower_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weareempowerorg

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareempower_